Massive in sheer numbers, the Virginia folk revival ensemble The Last Bison packed the upstairs stage at Non-COMM in period dress (if we gave out awards for best costume design, they would have won) and a lively and engaging performance. Their LP Inheritance is big on percussive crescendos and chant-along refrains, which created a great opportunity for crowd interaction – which peaked when singer-guitarist Ben Hardesty taking the microphone out into the crowd on the closing “Distance.” Check out the setlist below, listen to the performance in its entirety (via the WXPN media player) and see The Last Bison again this summer at the XPoNential Music Festival.

This seven piece ensemble from Chesapeake, Virginia boasts a unique blend of southern folk and classical influence, self categorized as “mountain-top chamber.” The Last Bison played for XPN listeners on World Cafe back in January and remain a staple on the airwaves.

January 8. 2013 - Very few musicians can categorize their music as “mountain-top chamber,” yet The Last Bison’s blend of southern folk and classical influence creates just that. The seven-piece ensemble emerged from the marshes of Chesapeake, Virginia a couple of years ago and has subsequently swept the musical scene with its complex arrangements, refined lyrics, and vocal harmonies.